Keizerite recalls Boston blasts

Keizer’s Tina Karo-Grunberg (right) and friend Heather Rideout (left), seen after competing at an Oregon Wine Country 1/2 Marathon, were at the Boston Marathon on Monday. (Submitted)

By CRAIG MURPHYOf the Keizertimes

Tina Karo-Grunberg had been looking forward to competing in the Boston Marathon for the first time on Monday.

The 47-year-old runner from Keizer was still enjoying the day when she crossed the finish line in 3:51.19.

“I had tried to get in a year ago, but didn’t get accepted,” Karo-Grunberg said Tuesday. “I got accepted this time. It was real exciting until the big event happened. There are not a lot of words. It took the wind out of the sails for a lot of people.”

Karo-Grunberg, a nurse at Salem Hospital, was heading back toward the finish area to pick up her medal when two bombs exploded. As of Wednesday afternoon, there were three confirmed deaths and more than 170 people injured.

“I had gotten my medal and went through a couple of streets to gather my gear,” said Karo-Grunberg, who noted other Oregon runners with her were likewise uninjured. “While waiting for my gear is when I heard the explosions. I saw the plumes of smoke. People were panicked and crying, wanting to call people. We didn’t know really what was happening.

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